Nathan Fowkes teaches visual universe workshops in Barcelona

The animation and video game cinema reference shares knowledge on concept art and the future of visual creation.

Generic image of a digital tablet displaying concept art.
IA

Generic image of a digital tablet displaying concept art.

American concept artist Nathan Fowkes, renowned in animation and video games, has visited Barcelona to lead workshops on visual universe creation, organized by the association Non Stop Barcelona.

Fowkes, known for his work on Hollywood productions like Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, and Rio 2, emphasized the importance of concept art in capturing ideas and atmospheres before final product creation. During his visit, he provided training on enhancing visual storytelling to connect with audience emotions.
The artist shared his experience in creating films such as Puss in Boots, where he advocated for an Spain-inspired setting to give it a Latin flair. Fowkes expressed regret for not visiting the country before working on this production, as he now sees elements in Barcelona that would have been useful.
Regarding artificial intelligence, Fowkes believes that while it's another tool, artists must master visual narrative to guide it. He notes that new technologies can create opportunities and reduce production costs but warns against misuse if used to replace human work. He stresses that audiences value human-created work and the core principle is 'creating with the audience in mind'.
Nathan Fowkes, who began as a traditional painter before moving into digital and 3D animation, reflects on the technological evolution in his profession. After 30 years, he acknowledges that the 'handmade' aspect is now more valued, a shift contrasting with his initial concerns about digitalization.